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RESEARCH
News & Research.
Learn about oral health equity, public health, and access to care through research and insights developed by members of the Project Smile Global Research Committee.
The Importance of Tailored Oral Health Education for Students, Cultural Groups, and Communities
Oral health education is essential to overall well-being, influencing habits, disease prevention, and quality of life. Early, school-based learning helps build lifelong hygiene practices, while culturally tailored approaches improve accessibility and trust in diverse communities. However, disparities persist due to socioeconomic and geographic barriers. Strengthening education through community programs, policy, and modern tools like digital platforms can promote lasting beha
Oct 3, 20258 min read
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Connections Between Oral Health and Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than memory. It is closely linked to oral health. As cognitive and motor skills decline, individuals often struggle with daily hygiene, leading to cavities, gum disease, and dry mouth. This relationship is bidirectional, as poor oral health may also contribute to brain inflammation and disease progression. Factors like socioeconomic status and chronic illness further increase risk. Early dental care and support are essential to maintaining ove
Mar 317 min read
A Cycle Between Oral and Mental health
Mental and oral health are deeply connected, yet often treated separately. Conditions like depression and anxiety can reduce motivation for oral hygiene, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. At the same time, poor oral health can harm self esteem and worsen mental health. This cycle is intensified by barriers like cost, stigma, and limited access to care. Addressing both together through integrated and accessible care is key to reducing health disparities.
Nov 1, 20255 min read
The Importance of Tailored Oral Health Education for Students, Cultural Groups, and Communities
Oral health education is essential to overall well-being, influencing habits, disease prevention, and quality of life. Early, school-based learning helps build lifelong hygiene practices, while culturally tailored approaches improve accessibility and trust in diverse communities. However, disparities persist due to socioeconomic and geographic barriers. Strengthening education through community programs, policy, and modern tools like digital platforms can promote lasting beha
Oct 3, 20258 min read
Policy Solutions to Dental Health Financial Disparities in California
California faces significant dental care disparities driven by high costs, limited insurance access, and low provider participation in programs like Denti-Cal. While millions rely on affordable coverage, few dentists accept it, creating gaps in care. Past policy cuts worsened access, pushing patients toward emergency treatment. Expanding funding, improving provider incentives, and strengthening preventive and school-based programs can help reduce inequities and improve access
Sep 20, 20258 min read
OH NO OZEMPIC: How GLP-1 RAs May Be Slimming Down Your Oral Health
Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for diabetes and weight loss, shows both promise and concern across body systems. While studies highlight benefits like improved metabolic control and reduced inflammation, emerging evidence links it to oral health issues such as dry mouth and enamel damage. Ongoing research continues to examine its long-term effects, especially as access and usage rapidly expand.
Aug 3, 20258 min read
Oral Health Challenges Worldwide: Causes, Treatments, and Inequities in Managing Bruxism, Gingivitis, and Impacted Teeth
Oral health conditions like bruxism, gingivitis, and impacted teeth are common and treatable, yet millions lack access to proper care due to financial, geographic, and educational barriers. While effective treatments exist, underserved communities face higher risks and worse outcomes. These disparities highlight how socioeconomic factors limit access to essential dental and mental health services worldwide.
Aug 1, 20258 min read
Dental Care in Long Term Care Homes
Older adults in long term care homes face a higher risk of poor oral health due to dependence on staff and limited care routines. Common issues include gum disease, tooth loss, and infections, which can worsen overall health and quality of life. Barriers such as staff shortages and lack of training contribute to these disparities. Simple interventions, like daily oral care checklists and regular professional cleanings, can improve hygiene and health outcomes.
Aug 1, 20255 min read
Teeth Whitening in Dental Care Practices
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure with options ranging from in-office treatments to at-home and natural methods. While professional treatments are more immediate, at-home options offer affordable, accessible alternatives with consistent use. Whitening works through peroxide-based bleaching, though side effects like sensitivity can occur, highlighting the need for safe and informed use.
Jul 22, 20255 min read
Understanding Dental Cleanings: A Public Health Perspective on Access, Prevention, and Equity
Dental cleanings are key to preventing oral disease, but many children, especially from low income and minority groups, lack access to effective preventive care like fluoride and sealants. While cleanings are common, they often replace more protective treatments, contributing to higher rates of tooth decay. Expanding coverage, improving community programs, and increasing access to evidence based care are essential to reducing these disparities.
Jun 30, 20257 min read
Gingivitis with a Hint of Strawberry: How Vaping Can Affect Oral Health
Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but emerging research highlights its negative effects on oral health. Nicotine disrupts immune function, reduces blood flow, and impairs healing, while vaping alters saliva and increases harmful bacteria. Socioeconomic factors also influence usage and exposure, emphasizing the need for further research and stronger regulation.
Jun 1, 20258 min read
Inequities in Maternal Oral Health and Their Impact from Postpartum to Early Childhood
Pregnant women face increased oral health risks due to hormonal changes, but access to dental care remains unequal. Socioeconomic barriers, limited insurance, and lack of education prevent many from receiving preventive care, leading to poor outcomes for both mothers and children. Addressing these disparities requires improved access, education, and integration of oral health into prenatal care systems.
May 31, 20257 min read
Oral Health and Diabetes: A Bidirectional Connection
Diabetes and oral health are closely linked, with dentists playing a key role in early detection through signs like gum disease and infections. However, limited access to dental care, poor oral health literacy, and food insecurity in underserved communities worsen both diabetes and periodontal disease. Expanding integrated medical-dental care and access is essential to improving outcomes.
Apr 23, 20257 min read
Dental Assistant Recognition Week: Exploring the Role of a Dental Assistant
Dental assistants play a vital role in ensuring efficient, high-quality dental care by supporting both clinical and administrative tasks. Their responsibilities range from patient interaction and chairside assistance to sterilization and office management. With growing demand and career advancement opportunities, dental assistants are essential to modern dentistry, though their contributions are often overlooked.
Mar 29, 20256 min read
Fluoridation policies Impact Dental Caries Prevalence Across Different Socioeconomic Communities
Fluoride prevents dental caries by strengthening enamel, promoting remineralization, and reducing bacterial acid production. Community water fluoridation is a public health strategy that lowers cavity rates, particularly in low-income populations with limited dental access. The blog also examines socioeconomic disparities in oral health, policy effectiveness, ethical concerns about consent and safety, and alternative delivery methods like toothpaste and varnish.
Mar 16, 202510 min read
Innovations in Preventive Dentistry
Advancements in preventive dentistry are transforming oral care through technologies like laser dentistry, digital radiography, and teledentistry. Innovations such as smart toothbrushes, bioactive materials, nanotechnology, and 3D imaging improve early detection, treatment precision, and patient education. While these tools enhance outcomes and efficiency, high costs may limit access, highlighting the need to ensure equitable adoption of these technologies.
Mar 3, 202510 min read
Sunshine Vitamin: Vitamin D’s Effect on Oral Health
Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread global health concern linked to seasonal affective disorder, depression, and multiple systemic conditions. The blog explores how vitamin D is synthesized through sunlight, diet, and supplements, and its role in bone, immune, and oral health. Deficiency is associated with periodontitis, caries, and other diseases. Socioeconomic factors strongly influence access to sunlight exposure and nutrient-rich foods, worsening health disparities.
Jan 31, 20257 min read
Access to Advanced Dental Technology in Underserved Areas
Advanced dental technologies like CBCT, lasers, and digital scanners improve diagnosis and treatment but are unevenly distributed. Rural and low-income communities face barriers including geographic isolation, high equipment costs, and limited professional training. These gaps reduce access to efficient, high-quality care. Solutions such as mobile dental clinics and teledentistry may help bridge disparities and expand equitable access to modern oral healthcare services.
Jan 27, 20255 min read
Xylitol’s Potential for Cavity Prevention to Reduce Oral Health Disparities
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that reduces Streptococcus mutans activity, plaque formation, and enamel demineralization, lowering dental caries risk. Research from the Turku Sugar Studies and clinical trials shows xylitol gum and snacks significantly reduce bacteria and improve oral health in children. Its use in candies, gums, and school or prenatal programs offers a scalable preventive strategy, though further research is needed on delivery methods and effectiveness.
Jan 1, 20255 min read
Dental Anxiety: Oral Health Disparities and Equity
Dental anxiety is a widespread barrier to oral healthcare influenced by racism, geography, procedure type, and prior experiences. Marginalized racialized communities often experience higher anxiety and lower trust in providers, leading to delayed care and worse outcomes. Geographic differences and treatment norms also shape severity. Coping strategies include education, representation, anesthesia, and relaxation techniques, but access is uneven due to resource and training ga
Dec 4, 20246 min read
Transforming Oral Health: Public Dental Programs Bridging Care Gaps Globally
Public dental health programs aim to improve access to preventive care, education, and essential dental services, especially for marginalized communities facing cost and resource barriers. Initiatives like mobile dental clinics, school-based programs, and global outreach efforts reduce untreated oral disease and support early intervention. Programs from organizations and universities worldwide emphasize prevention, equity, and expanded access to care to reduce long-term oral
Nov 18, 20246 min read
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